18 Thoughts After The 2026 PGA Championship

BusinessSportsMoney18 Thoughts After The 2026 PGA ChampionshipByJeff Hartman,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Jeff Hartman is a Maryland resident who covers the PGA Tour.Follow AuthorMay 19, 2026, 12:30pm EDTNEWTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 17: Aaron Rai of England poses with The Wanamaker Trophy after winning the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 17, 2026 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe 2026 PGA Championship wrapped up at Aronimink Golf Club this past weekend, and while Aaron Rai claimed his first major championship of his career, there were several storylines outside of Rai’s victory.Just like I do after every major event on the PGA Tour schedule, it’s time for 18 thoughts after the 2026 PGA Championship.18 Thoughts after the 2026 PGA ChampionshipAronimink Strikes BackDespite not being overly long at 7,394 yards, Ironmink’s Donald Ross design proved that length isn’t everything. This storied course, with its classic architecture, tested every aspect of the players’ games. Clever pin placements, narrow fairways, and the infamous turtle-back greens forced even elite pros into mistakes, producing 127 three-putts in the opening round alone—remarkably close to the 190 total three-putts at Augusta National across four rounds.Donald Ross Greens WinWhen people think of Ross designed courses, the focus typically surrounds the greens. Whether they are the “turtleback” greens of Pinehurst No. 2, or the “spines” of Aronimink, Ross’s designs continue to challenge the best golfers even after almost 100 years. When the PGA of America announced Aronimink would be the host course of the 2026 PGA Championship, it was a Ross design which confounded the game’s best players.MORE FOR YOUPin Placements Were BrutalThe PGA of America made a clear statement with its setup. Instead of favoring brute strength or chasing the kind of ultra-low winning scores sometimes seen at the PGA,...